PLANNING ASSUMPTIONS AND DESIGN TRENDS SUSAN KENT AND KATHY PAGE WHO NEEDS LIBRARIES: SERVICES AND FACILITIES PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE PLP WORKSHOPAPRIL 3 - 4, 2014

COLLECTIONS More + more materials will be available in digital formats Physical collections will stay at current sizes for short term, may decrease over time Local collections will be current, content focused on population served Libraries will offer access to older, less in-demand titles through consortia, shared resources

COLLECTIONS Access to books + media still a basic expectation but not always users’ primary goal Convenience + browsability high priorities Alternatives to standard physical collection housing will be explored in tandem with expanding econtent – e.g., secure vending/dispensing technology, non- Dewey classification

SEATING AND PEOPLE SPACE Increased, distributed seating for individuals + collaborative work Increased seating for those who bring their own devices – laptops, tablets, smart phones, etc. Universal plug-in capacity standard. Acoustical zoning by activity + noise level

SEATING AND PEOPLE SPACE Increased space and multiple spaces for programs, events, gatherings of all types Spaces increasingly reconfigurable + flexible – careful balance between dedicated space and multi-use space Spaces for focus on service programs – literacy, student support + tutoring, new Americans, job seekers

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY Role as primary public gateway to online world will continue Number of desktop workstations will stay at current levels, or decrease, as use of laptops and other portable devices increase Many libraries will loan these devices for in-library and/or take-home use. Learning space + content creation space will become more common

BEYOND PROGRAMMING – DYI / MAKER SPACE / PLAY SPACE Focus on creativity / sharing knowledge + expertise Sometimes tech-focused (3D printers, self-published books), some not Spotlight on community “makers” Expanded focus on early childhood development + literacy (Play + Learn, interactive play space, active environment)

PARTNERSHIPS Co-located + shared-use facilities will increase Libraries as part of campus setting – community centers, schools, retail, housing

LIBRARY AS PLACE Libraries will increasingly be the go-to venue for programs, community events, gatherings of all sorts Community living room Crossroads - commons Civic identity Amenities – food + drink, retail, exhibits

OPERATIONS Staffed service desks will be consolidated, often one service desk per building Mobile concierge-like service points, “greeter stations” Self service the standard Most accounts and circulation transactions transacted online Operating revenues will remain at current levels – no significant increases Streamlined operations a primary design priority

COLLECTIONS + SHELVING

COLLECTIONS / SHELVING

SEATING + SPACE FOR PEOPLE

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

LAPTOPS + USER-SUPPLIED DEVICES

DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

DYI / MAKER SPACES

PLAY SPACES

PROGRAMMING + GATHERING SPACES

PARTNERSHIPS

LIBRARY AS PLACE

VISITOR AMENITIES

SUSTAINABLE + EFFICIENT OPERATIONS